World Cup Record: Group Stages 1998, 2002

Manager: Carlos Alberto Parreira
Key Player: Steven Pienaar
Qualified: Hosts
Odds: 125/1

South Africa will be hoping that the tradition of hosts exceeding expectations continues when they become the first African country to stage the finals. The Rainbow Nation has appeared only twice at the finals – in 1998 and 2002 – after returning to the international stage in 1992 following political expulsion by FIFA. Their 1-0 defeat of Slovenia in the Group stages of 2002 remains their sole win at the tournament. Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has returned to manage the side for a second time, but two goalless draws – with Japan and Jamaica – since his return have not provided much evidence that they will improve their record this time around.

Steven Pienaar

Age: 27
Position: Midfielder
Club: Everton (England – Premier League)
Caps: 43 (2 Goals)

After winning the Dutch Title in 2002 and 2004 with Ajax, Pienaar moved to German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund in 2006. Brought in to replace Tomas Rosicky, Pienaar never settled in Germany and he moved on to Everton in January 2007. Deployed mainly on the left of midfield, the 27-year-old has become one of the most consistent performers at Goodison Park, excelling in the absence of Spanish star Mikel Arteta. He made his South Africa debut in 2002 in a 2-0 win over Turkey and his dynamic displays will be central to the host nation’s hopes of advancing from the Group Stages.